Killing of Dot King
Unsolved 1923 chloroform murder of a New York model and actress.
The killing of Dot King, also known as Dorothy 'Dot' King, refers to the unsolved murder of a 29-year-old model, actress, and demimondaine in her Manhattan apartment on March 15, 1923. The case became a press sensation, and the term 'sugar baby' may have been popularized by journalists reporting on it.
- Victim
- Dorothy 'Dot' King (born Anna Marie Keenan), age 29
- Date of death
- March 15, 1923
- Location
- 144 West 57th Street, Manhattan, New York
- Cause of death
- chloroform
- Estimated time of death
- between 7:00 and 7:30 a.m.
- Value of stolen jewelry
- $15,000 (equivalent to $292,910 in 2026)
- Suspects
- Albert Guimares (arrested, released); J. Kearsley Mitchell (identified but not charged)
Lore & Background
Dot King's body was discovered by a maid at around 11:30 a.m. on March 15, 1923. First responders initially deemed it a suicide due to burns around the mouth and an empty chloroform bottle, but detective Arthur A. Carey later determined it was murder. Evidence included an empty chloroform bottle, pieces of absorbent cotton, a man's vest pocket comb, a pair of large yellow men's pajamas under a couch, and a wad of cotton jammed under her nostrils. The autopsy revealed bruises around the mouth and a slight abrasion inside the lower lip. The killer likely entered through the door, which King may have voluntarily opened. The motive was believed to be robbery, as $15,000 worth of jewelry, an ermine coat, a wrap, a suitcase, and cash were missing. The telephone had been moved, suggesting the killer did not realize King had died. The window was opened, possibly to dissipate chloroform fumes.
Reader's Guide
The killing of Dot King is notable as a high-profile unsolved murder that captivated New York City in the 1920s. The case introduced or popularized the term 'sugar baby' in the press. The investigation involved multiple suspects, including a wealthy Bostonian using the alias 'Mr. Marshall' (later identified as J. Kearsley Mitchell) and Albert Guimares, a Puerto Rican man with a criminal record who was romantically involved with King. Guimares was arrested but released after establishing an alibi. The case highlighted the intersection of wealth, nightlife, and crime in Prohibition-era Manhattan. The use of chloroform, the missing valuables, and the lack of forced entry suggested a professional thief who underestimated the drug's potency. The murder remains unsolved, and the article notes that the killer's identity was never officially released.
Did You Know?
- The killer used chloroform, and a large wad of cotton was found jammed under King's nostrils.
- A pair of large yellow men's pajamas was found stuffed under a couch in the living room.
- Albert Guimares was wearing diamond cufflinks given by Marshall to King at the time of his arrest.
More in Poisoning by Drugs, Medicaments and Biological Substances 1-24
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